GUWAHATI: The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has written to Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya urging the Centre to reconsider the scheduling of the remaining Indian Premier League (IPL) matches and reduce extensive travel by teams amid the prevailing national situation.
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In a letter dated Sunday, May 17, CTI stated that IPL teams have travelled several lakh kilometres by air and road since the tournament began on March 31. While acknowledging that travel across different cities is part of the league format, the organisation said the current circumstances require minimising unnecessary movement and fuel consumption.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to avoid avoidable travel, CTI said IPL appears to be continuing operations without adapting to the broader national concerns.
The trade body suggested that the remaining IPL matches be rescheduled and conducted at limited venues, similar to arrangements made during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also proposed that matches be organised with limited spectators or, if necessary, behind closed doors.
According to CTI, chartered aircraft commonly used by IPL franchises, including Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft, consume thousands of litres of aviation fuel during each journey. The organisation claimed that limiting travel could save substantial quantities of fuel and reduce logistical pressure on the country.
CTI further stated that large spectator turnout at matches also contributes to significant petrol and diesel consumption through road transport.
The organisation urged authorities to reschedule the remaining IPL matches at a limited number of venues and consider holding games without spectators, stating that the move could significantly reduce fuel consumption and ease logistical pressure.